Conservation News
Activities on the Patuxent River
Patuxent Tailwater Below Brighton Dam
During 2025 and 2026, our conservation volunteers monitored the dissolved oxygen (DO) and water temperatures in the Patuxent River tailwater below Brighton Dam. The data showed that the DO holds steady at acceptable levels (> 5 mg/L) for aquatic life, but the water temperature is elevated above the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) limit of 75 deg. F for periods of time during the summer. This information has been shared with WSSC, MDE, and DNR for consideration.
Upper Patuxent River
The main stem of the Patuxent River and its tributaries above Annapolis Rock Road are some of the few remaining waters in Maryland that still hold wild brown trout, a tribute to the 50+ years that PPTU members have been protecting this river. During 2026, our conservation volunteers visited a pond in the Patuxent River State Park to assess its impact on the water temperature of a nearby tributary. Based on our pond assessment and historical data of water temperature and brown trout populations, the team formulated a letter to MDE urging them to address high water temperatures in the upper Patuxent River. We are optimistic that this work will lead to some new ideas and approaches to improving the health of the Patuxent and hopefully protect these wild fish.